Henry's misplaced passion.

I have noticed over the last year in particular that a certain outstanding and world class player has not always acted in the most ambassadorial manner. In my opinion this is largely due to the veteran status which has been placed upon him in this youthful Arsenal side.

Whilst some may argue that he should not have been made captain of the club, I find it hard to believe that there really was many other options. There were surely options available at the time but Wenger had by this time formulated his new planand was busy constructing a new side which in time would be able to challenge the new Chelsea. There were candidates such as Ashley Cole and Sol Campbell, a distinctly native influence but for various reasons one was not of sound character and the other was coming to the end of his career in the top tier of the top flight in the premiership. Henry was the right age and coming into his prime and was the only real choice for captain. Gilberto Silva has proved an able deputy in the times Henry has not been available due to injury or other reasons. Henry was the talisman who would bring Wengers kids through to their prime years. Nobody can question Henrys love for Arsenal. He has spurned many overtures to leave the club, not all moves away from Arsenal have been outstanding successes and many pundits feel the football in other parts of europe can be more lucrative and appealing.

However, (and Henry may take the lead from Wenger somewhat in this area) the way in which Henry has conducted himself in certain situations has been less than admirable. As an Arsenal fan I have been somewhat bemused at Wengers constant and erratic behaviour towards match officals and opposing managers. Wenger is impatient for the kids to develop their potential and has become a talking point in the football world. The usual calm demeanour has been replaced by a man sometimes possessed and consumed by the tactics of other teams and managers. Whilst fans and media dont like it, teams will try to waste time and will try to gain an edge in the course of a game. Wenger has become distracted by the other teams tactics as they look to gain an edge against an Arsenal team which may be bullied now but soon will be the best around and able to handle all situations. Being an older brother it is like when I realised I could no longer harrass my younger brother as he grew up into a man.

Henry has at times been a great captain, giving credit to teammates that have done well, but like Wenger he has been impatient for potential to turn into fruition. While he is still in his prime he wants to win more trophies the champions league being the top prize on his wish list. He has frowned at teammates who have tried to do the right thing but it has not come off. I am sure his fellow players have been in awe of him as he is the finished product while they learn the game. Last year was the worst season Arsenal has had and is likely to have for many years to come, it was a tense time and Henry did not cover himself in glory, I could excuse last year but this year and particularly recently Henry's behaviour has mirrored that of Wenger's taunting Gary Neville in a rousing come from behind victory and most recently the Wigan keeper. This is Henry's misplaced passion.

It should be realised that teams who waste time only serve to hinder their own game and very often pay a heavy price for not playing in the proper manner. Henry doesnt need to get involved, he should watch tape of how Gilberto Silva conducted himself during his tenure as captain. Arguably playing much better than he has ever done and leading by example. Passion is always in the game but it has to be channelled in the right way.